Understanding the election schedule is crucial for every citizen. This guide provides essential deadlines and dates for primary and general elections in New Jersey, ensuring you don’t miss important opportunities to participate in the democratic process. Let’s dive into the key dates you need to know, and how to stay informed about What Is The Time At New Jersey concerning election-related activities.
Key Dates for the Primary Election
Navigating the primary election process in New Jersey requires attention to specific deadlines. Here’s a breakdown:
- March 28 – by 4:00 p.m.: Filing Deadline for Objections to Nominating Petitions for Primary Election Candidates.
- April 2: Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenges for Primary Election Candidates.
- April 16: Deadline for Change of Party Affiliation Declaration Forms for Primary Election to be Filed with County Commissioners of Registration.
Alt text: Ballot box close-up representing importance of primary elections in democratic process.
- April 19: Commencement of Mailing of Mail-In Ballots for Primary Election (45 days before the original June 3 election date). This significant change was made pursuant to P.L. 2024, c.107.
- May 20: Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election. Ensure your registration is up to date.
- May 20: Mandated Evening Voter Registration Available for Primary Election in Offices of County Commissioners of Registration.
Alt text: Sign displaying “Sign up to Vote” to highlight the voter registration deadline for New Jersey primary elections.
- May 28: Mailing of Sample Ballots for Primary Election. Watch for your sample ballot to familiarize yourself with the candidates.
- June 3: Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for Primary Election.
- June 3: Deadline for Unaffiliated Voters to submit Political Party Affiliation Declaration Forms for Primary Election to be Filed with County Commissioners of Registration in order to receive a mail-in ballot by mail.
- June 3 – June 8: Early Voting Period. Take advantage of early voting options.
- June 6: Deadline for Application to Receive Primary Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters.
- June 9 – by 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for Primary Election.
- June 9 – by 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for Unaffiliated Voters to submit Political Party Affiliation Declaration Forms for Primary Election to be Filed with County Commissioners of Registration in order to receive a mail-in ballot in person.
- June 10: Primary Election Day.
- June 10 – by 4:00 p.m.: Candidate Petition Filing Deadline for General Election.
- June 10: Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the Primary Election.
- June 10: Deadline for In-Person Submission of Primary Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election and to Authorized Ballot Drop Boxes.
- June 12: Deadline for Receipt by County Boards of Elections of Mail-In Ballots by delivery of the United States Postal Service that DO NOT Bear a Postmark of Delivery.
- June 13 – by 4:00 p.m.: Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for Independent General Election Candidates.
- June 16: Deadline for Receipt of Timely Mailed Postmarked Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election.
- June 16 – by 4:00 p.m.: Filing Deadline for Objections to Nomination Petitions for Independent General Election Candidates.
- June 18: Deadline for Receipt of Cure Form to County Boards of Election.
- June 19: Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for Independent General Election Candidates.
- June 20: Canvass of Primary Election Votes by County Clerks.
- June 27: Deadline for Secretary of State to Certify Gubernatorial Primary Election Results.
Important Dates for the General Election
The General Election also has a strict schedule to adhere to:
- September 20: Commencement of Mailing of Mail-In Ballots for General Election.
- October 14: Voter Registration Deadline for General Election.
- October 14: Mandated Evening Voter Registration Available for General Election in Offices of County Commissioners of Registration.
- October 22: Mailing of Sample Ballots for General Election.
Alt text: Hand submitting a ballot to a ballot box, representing voter participation in the New Jersey General Election.
- October 25 – November 2: Early Voting Period.
- October 28: Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election.
- October 31: Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters.
- November 3 – by 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election.
- November 4: General Election Day.
- November 4: Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the General Election.
- November 4: Deadline for In-Person Submission of General Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election and to Authorized Ballot Drop Boxes.
- November 6: Deadline for Receipt by County Boards of Elections of Mail-In Ballots by Delivery of the United States Postal Service that DO NOT Bear a Postmark of Delivery.
- November 10: Deadline for Receipt of Timely Mailed Postmarked Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election.
- November 15: Deadline for Receipt of Cure Form to County Boards of Election.
- December 4: Deadline for Meeting of Board of State Canvassers to Certify General Election Results.
Staying Informed and Participating
Keeping track of these dates ensures you can participate fully in New Jersey’s elections. Be sure to check official government websites for any updates or changes to the schedule. Understanding what is the time at New Jersey regarding these critical deadlines empowers you to make your voice heard.
